9 Costco Foods Fans Say Dropped In Quality This Year
People have loved Costco for a long time because it has good deals on bulk items and reliable essentials. But in 2025, devoted clients raised the alarm: some of the things they used to love now appear worse. People notice when prices go down, textures change, flavors get less interesting, or quantities get smaller. Here are nine Costco goods (mostly Kirkland and house-brand items) that fans think are getting worse. When you shop, look for these clues.
1. Kirkland Signature Bacon
A lot of Costco members have said that Kirkland’s bacon isn’t the “thick-cut” strip they recall. People on Reddit and food discussion sites say that the slices are now paper-thin, shred easily, and are not always the same thickness in the same pack. Some people argue that the ratio of meat to fat is wrong, and that too much fat sticks or falls apart while cooking. This loss of structural integrity makes it tougher to cook bacon strips that are crispy and whole.
2. Kirkland Multipack Chicken Breasts
People used to like buying bulk protein from this store, but now they say it’s rough, dry, or woody. People say that the meat shrinks too much when it cooks, leaving only a small amount that may be used. Some people even say that there is a slight odd flavor that stays after marinating. These variations could mean that the texture and moisture retention are being affected by problems with supply or processing.
3. Kirkland Lobster Bisque
People are angry about the changes made to this high-end soup. Fans say the new version is watery and has scarcely perceptible lobster bits. They also think the flavor is too thick instead of rich and flavorful. Several customers say that pieces of shell or cartilage have been found in recent batches, which raises concerns regarding quality control and consistency.
4. Kirkland Breakfast Sandwich
The Kirkland breakfast sandwich used to be a quick and easy meal, but now it is said to be thinner, with fewer bacon and eggs, and a croissant crust that is less flaky. One person complained that their air fryer now “blows the two halves around” since the sandwich has gotten so little. These alterations make it less satisfying and less valuable.
5. Kirkland Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks
People liked these nuggets when they first came out, but they’ve gotten a lot of bad reviews lately. Fans complain that a lot of the pieces are dry, rubbery, or not cooked all the way through, and some bags even have parts that are only partially cooked. People often complain about the pieces getting smaller and the breading being too thick. They are less enticing as a quick supper alternative because the texture and quality have gone down.
6. Kirkland Butter
People who bake a lot say that Kirkland butter doesn’t work as well in recipes anymore. One person said that pie crusts made with the butter fell apart instead of rolling smoothly. Some people say that the butter tastes flat or like a “refrigerator,” as if it loses flavor or picks up smells while it is being stored.
7. Kirkland Tortilla Chips
Fans of Costco’s tortilla chips have recently been unhappy with them. People say that the chips are now smaller, thinner, and more fragile, and that they have less salt and a weaker maize flavor. Some people think that the company may have changed suppliers because the prints on the bags seem the same but the stuff inside feels different. The end effect is a crispness and flavor that isn’t as good.
8. Muffins from the Bakery Department
Many customers believe that the Costco muffins have gotten smaller and worse since 2025. People say that they taste more like cake, are drier, have a gritty texture, and mold faster than they used to. Some people also remark that the number of flavors has gone down or that their favorite flavors are no longer available.
9. Kirkland Orange Juice
Many fans remark that Costco’s orange juice has tasted very different over the past year. One person on Reddit said that the flavor was changing from the fresh-squeezed taste they used to adore to something more like licorice or fake. Some people say that the strange aftertaste and small changes in flavor hint that the recipe or source has changed.
